How can ‘One Health’ help India, and India help ‘One Health’ ?

This Post is based on the article "How can ‘One Health’ help India, and India help ‘One Health’ ?" Which is Published in the The Hindu on 24th August 2023. 

Introduction:

• The global concept of 'One Health' is gaining popularity, and India is adopting its principles to enhance its response to health crises. 

• One Health is a holistic approach to problems that recognises the interconnections between the health of humans , animals, plants and their shared environment.

• This idea dates back to Hippocrates, who linked public health with a clean environment. 

• Rudolf Virchow in the 19th century emphasised the connection between animal and human medicine. 

• Modern veterinarians like James Steele and Calvin Schwabe further emphasised the ecological link between animal and human health.

Why is One Health Special ?

• The One Health approach is significant due to its ability to address the complex challenges arising from factors like population growth, urbanisation, and environmental changes that contribute to zoonotic diseases. 

• About 60% of emerging diseases affecting humans are zoonotic, including examples like bird flu and Ebola. 

• One Health tackles issues such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and vector-borne diseases through coordinated efforts across sectors like health, environment, and agriculture. 

• By encouraging collaboration between governmental units and sharing resources, such as laboratories and findings, the approach leads to resilient and sustainable policies. 

• This strategy contrasts with the costly consequences of managing pandemics without intersectoral coordination. 

Economic Benefits Of One Health Approach

• The economic benefits of One Health outweigh the expenses, making it a crucial strategy for global health. 

• Estimates suggest it could cost between $10.3 billion to $11.5 billion annually, while a non-One-Health approach to pandemics could cost around $30 billion annually.

Recent one Health Initiatives

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of One Health initiatives. India's initiatives include 

• The establishment of a Standing Committee in 2006 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This committee guides the state and union governments on challenges related to zoonoses. 

• In 2021, the Department of Biotechnology launched the One Health Consortium. This consortium aims to assess zoonotic diseases by integrating multiple government organisations onto a single platform.

• Furthermore, there is the One Health pilot project led by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Industries. This project aims to enhance livestock health, human health, wildlife health, and environmental health.

• To effectively coordinate and integrate all One Health initiatives, India is in the process of preparing the 'National One Health Mission,' which will be overseen by the Office of the Principal Secretary.

Proposed Stages for Implementing One Health Approach

Stage 1: Communication

• Initiate communication mechanisms between ministries and sectors to keep stakeholders engaged and informed. 

• The National Standing Committee on Zoonoses is an example of this stage.

Stage 2: Collaboration

• Exchange knowledge and expertise among sectors to translate ideas into short-term interventions. Clarity on roles and responsibilities is crucial. 

• The One Health pilot project in Karnataka and Uttarakhand exemplifies this stage.

Stage 3: Coordination

• Establish routine and long-term activities under the authority of a coordinating agency, focusing on areas like disease surveillance and awareness campaigns. 

• The upcoming 'National One Health Mission' aligns with this stage.

Stage 4: Integration

• Promote a policy framework that integrates sectors, enabling efficient sharing of resources and streamlined programs. 

• Current programs like disease surveillance and livestock health need to be integrated for a successful One Health approach.

Collaborative Science for Effective One Health

• To maximise the benefits of One Health, India should foster an integrated, science-based environment. 

• Researchers from various disciplines should have access to shared laboratories, enabling comprehensive research and addressing challenges effectively.

By embracing One Health principles, India can mitigate health crises more effectively. Through communication, collaboration, coordination, and integration, the country can create a comprehensive, interconnected system that addresses the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental health.

Practice Question :

Q. Discuss the concept of One Health and its significance in addressing Health crisis, with focus on India's efforts and Initiatives in adopting the One Health approach.